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NATURAL ENVIRONMENTProtecting our waterways and biodiversity for future generations
Page 5
Autumn 2021
VOLUNTEERING WORKSWorking together to create change and improve our communities
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CONNECTED COMMUNITIES
BUILT ENVIRONMENTAn integrated approach to building a bright future and future-proofing our environment involves creating vibrant spaces to live, work, play and prosper.
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Message from MAYOR Brenton Lewis
PAGE 2 CONNECTED COMMUNITIES AUTUMN 2021
sure the will of the community is reflected in the decisions we make.
Together we are building a bright future.
WELCOME to the Autumn edition of our community newsletter: Connected Communities.
Caring for our environment is a delicate but important balancing act that we must get right, for the sake of our future generations and the kind of community and world they will inherit.
Precious and finite resources like the Murray River, and our local wildlife and bushland, can sometimes be taken for granted but they are an important part of our lives and will be well into the future.
We must preserve and protect the health and wellbeing of what remains and support biodiversity however we can.
And what better way to appreciate the beauty of our environment than to explore along the river following the fantastic new Water Discovery Trail featured on page 7.
At the same time we must plan for the needs of a growing community by building the necessary infrastructure to support a bright future, while ensuring environmental considerations are included in every step along the way.
It’s a balance that our Environmental Management Plan seeks to get right, underpinned by bodies of work like the Annual Business Plan and Budget going out for consultation soon.
I encourage you all to register at www.letstalk.com.au to stay informed and be notified of community consultations when they open, to ensure we are engaging with you and making
Phone Customer Service on 8539 1100Email [email protected] Mail PO Box 421 Murray Bridge SA 5253
Website murraybridge.sa.gov.au makeityours.sa.gov.au letstalk.murraybridge.sa.gov.au
YouTube Rural City of Murray Bridge
Facebook @ruralcityofmurraybridge @mblibrary @murraybridgeswimmingcentre @townhallmurraybridge @murraybridgeregionalgallery @sixthstreethandmade @thestationau @murraybridgeyouthcouncil
Instagram @ruralcityofmurraybridge @murraybridgeregionalgallery @the_station_mb @impact_youthmb
Contact Council
If you would like to help save trees, register your interest to receive an electronic version of this newsletter and other Council communications via your inbox at letstalk.murraybridge.sa.gov.au/register
BUILT EnvironmentA HOLISTIC view of our environment takes into account the homes we live in, the roads we drive on, the buildings we work in and the spaces we create to play in, as well as our natural waterways and bushland.
Council is consistently working to upgrade and improve our open spaces to make them more attractive and practical to enjoy. Shade structures have been installed over playgrounds at McNamara Park, Christian Reserve and Woodlane Reserve to encourage more sun safe outdoor play for our children, while a brand new playground is being built to replace the old one at Long Island Reserve.Our beautiful riverfront is being transformed under the staged Sturt Reserve Master Plan rollout – recently we’ve seen the construction and opening of the Murray Bridge Regional Rowing Centre, trailhead, community art and other upgrades with much more to come.History is being preserved and made more accessible with The Round House makeover, and the development of a management plan for the beautifully restored historical railway building and garden tucked away behind. A new public toilet is being built at the Adelaide Road Cemetery, our Swimming Centre is in the midst of a massive redevelopment project, and our Council owned Lerwin Aged Care Facility just received a multimillion dollar upgrade.The roll out of all weather footpaths which make our communities more safe are being delivered at an unprecedented rate in our Rural City neighbourhoods
this past year, along with road resurfacing, stormwater upgrades and other infrastructure to accommodate a growing community. Water sensitive urban design, native plants and other environmentally friendly features are being incorporated in new projects. Perceptions of Murray Bridge that reflect our true identity are reinforced with branding and educational messaging about the vibrant regional centre we are becoming. Contemporary signage highlighting our changing identity enhances our township branding, while renewed and welcoming town entrances announce arrival. An upgraded Rural City of Murray Bridge website and videos showcasing our achievements, events and promoting the great place our Rural City is to live, work and play, are being shared around the world.
STURT RESERVE works including NATIVE PLANTS AND LAWN ENHANCE OUR RIVERFRONT PLAYSPACE
CONNECTED COMMUNITIES AUTUMN 2021 PAGE 3
ANNUAL BUSINESS PLANTHE RURAL City of Murray Bridge will soon release the Draft Annual Business Plan and Budget 2021-2022 for public consultation.Every year residents have the opportunity to read and review Council’s budget, planned projects and objectives for the next 12 months and provide feedback.All comments submitted are considered by Council in creation of the final Plan and changes are made where possible to ensure it reflects community expectation and keeps us heading in the right direction.Register to be notified when the consultation opens and to have your say at www.letstalk.murraybridge.sa.gov.au
ENVIRONMENTAL AND CLIMATE CHANGE GRANTSGRANTS are available for environmental projects, events and initiatives such as minimising waste going to landfill, adaptation to climate change, water conservation and revegetation projects.
These fall under the range of grants available through Council’s Community Events, Grants and Donations Program available year round.
For more information visit www.murraybridge.sa.gov.au/community grants or contact Team Leader Community Development Faith Box on 8539 1126 or [email protected]
ADELAIDE ROAD LINEAR PARKTHE ADELAIDE Road Linear Park project is nearing completion.
In a staged fashion over the course of several years The Rural City of Murray Bridge has created a spectacular environmentally friendly and welcoming green avenue from our main town entrance into the heart of our Rural City.
Features include a meandering walking/cycling trail reflecting our waterway, amphitheatre, public toilets, public art, picnic tables and more.
LERWIN EXPANSION AND REFURBISHMENTA NEW 20 room wing, along with 15 refurbished rooms with upgraded bathrooms and revamped modern outdoor courtyard have been completed in an $8.2 million Lerwin Aged Care Facility upgrade.
FIRE DANGER SEASONFIRE Danger Season in the Murraylands has now ended, but that doesn’t mean we should be complacent.
Cooler months are the ideal time for rural properties and others to reduce fuel loads and reduce risk by clearing excess growth in preparation for next Fire Danger Season.
Burning is not allowed in the township, however burning applications can be lodged with Council.
For Fire Danger Season dates and burning information visit www.cfs.gov.au
E-SERVICESSAVE trees and fuel by paying online for all Council services including rates, parking fines, community care and more.
Take care of business from the convenience of your home,
from your mobile phone or on the go.
Visit Council’s website www.murraybridge.sa.gov.au
SERVICE REQUESTSHAVE you seen a footpath, road or street tree matter
that needs attention?
Phone Council’s friendly Customer Support team on
8539 1100 to lodge a service request.
PIANOS as pot plants and pallets as furniture are some of the unique and original ways of re-imagining and upcycling everyday items that can be found at the Brinkley ReUse Centre. The re-purposing and re-homing Centre is a treasure trove of old, unused or unloved items being given a second chance in life – helping to divert what might otherwise be waste in landfill.
Supporting the Centre creates benefits for the environment and the community by minimising the negative impact waste and the human footprint have on the natural world.
One person’s trash is another’s treasure and there is a smorgasbord of discoveries to be made in the eclectic collection of furniture and electrical, white goods, garden equipment, building materials, bric-a-brac, retro items and collectables.
Putting recyclable and reusable items into the system is easy as the Brinkley ReUse Centre sits right next door to the landfill site (Brinkley Waste and Recycling Facility) so you can drop useful objects off on the way through, lightening your load and reducing disposal fees.
Free pick up is available for quality items.
For more information phone 8539 1474 or drop in to 527 Brinkley Road during opening hours, 10am to 4pm Tuesday to Saturday.
In BriefReUSE AND RECYCLE
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VALUING and taking care of our environment is vital for improving everyday life for our whole community and creating a more liveable and resilient place for people to live, work and prosper.
Council’s Environmental Management Plan 2020-2024 has been designed to protect the environment and limit the potential impact of climate change in The Rural City of Murray Bridge.
It outlines how over the next four years Council will work hand in hand with the community to value and protect our natural environment, and create a sustainable Rural City.
Natural environmental issues are complex and interconnect with each other and our built environment.
As we work to improve water management, address climate change, support biodiversity, manage waste and change development philosophy we will improve the river and make the Rural City of Murray Bridge more liveable.
We have a rich riverine environment with outstanding biodiversity, which can be protected by Council and the community valuing the environment, minimising environmental impacts and using resources wisely.
Education, building capacity and promoting the beauty of our region can help protect it into the future.
We are a river dependant community and the sustainable use of water is one of our most critical resource challenges for surviving drought, climate change and overuse.
Council is working to protect the River Murray by expanding alternative water sources though stormwater harvesting
and reuse, implementing water sensitive urban design and using reclaimed water.
Our Gifford Hill stormwater detention and reuse basin saves over 200 megalitres of water being drawn from the river each year.
More wastewater will be recycled at the new Gifford Hill SA Water treatment site and any new developments, resulting in less polluted water entering the River.
This policy focus aligns with the new Planning Development and Infrastructure Act which ensures all new development is mindful of energy, water, climate and biodiversity, during and after construction, leaving sites in a better position than before.
A trajectory of significant growth for our region is supported by Council’s Development Plan which places greater emphasis on energy saving and water sensitive urban design principles for future public and private developments.
In working to improve environmental impacts through leadership, Council has installed solar panels at the Local Government Centre, provided electric vehicle charging stations, and kitchen caddies for residents to encourage recycling kitchen scraps.
Future plans include replacing public street lighting with LEDs (light-emitting diodes), installing solar panels at the Works Depot, introducing electric fleet vehicles, increasing water sensitive urban design and further protecting roadside vegetation during construction.
Council cannot achieve everything it needs to from its own resources to improve our environment.
By working together with education, training and community knowledge we can empower and increase the capacity of the entire region to tackle the challenges and increase community resilience for the future.
NATURAL ENVIRONMENT PROTECTION
CONNECTED COMMUNITIES AUTUMN 2021 PAGE 5
VOLUNTEERS are essential to our communities and their valuable contributions improve our lives in many ways.
More than 260 local people volunteer their time with The Rural City of Murray Bridge using their skills and life experiences to directly support tourism, the arts, Community Care, the Library, youth programs, Lerwin and make a positive difference in the environment.
Environmental volunteers have been busily propagating native plants in our Community Nursery at the Brinkley ReUse Centre, where they recently celebrated the release of more than 5,000 plants from the site.
Planting native flora in our open spaces and remnant bushland areas provides habitat for native animals and helps to preserve our natural environment for future generations.
Volunteers plant trees, collect and propagate seeds and monitor and care for our local waterways, wetlands and open spaces.
The Rural City of Murray Bridge has an award winning volunteer program that recognises and appreciates the contribution of people from all walks of life.
Volunteers are supported with appropriate training and resources to empower them to make a difference.
If you have a few spare hours once a month, or each week, and want to give back and be a part of the bright future we are building together, consider putting your hand up for volunteering with Council.
For more information on the program or to apply online visit Council’s website, or chat to our Volunteer Co-ordinator on 8539 1432 or [email protected]
VOLUNTEER
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WASTEWATER SOLUTION
KEEPING wastewater away from the river through the review of existing wastewater systems is behind a new environmental initiative on the east side of Murray Bridge.
A two year project to determine current and future needs on the eastern side of the river is being undertaken by Council’s Environmental Health Team. The majority of the Murray Bridge township is largely reliant on an SA Water run mains sewer for disposal of household wastewater – something most Australians take for granted. Every Eastside dwelling and business requires its own on-site system, as no SA Water sewer or Community Wastewater Management Scheme (CWMS) is currently available. On-site wastewater systems can function perfectly well during their lifetime, however without regular maintenance they can fail and create poor environmental outcomes. Common issues include undersized systems, installation in unsuitable soil types like clay, systems not installed in line with plans, use of harsh chemicals killing good bacteria needed for system function, and stormwater diversion into the system – which all lead to premature failure.Septic tanks need to be emptied every four years and aerobic systems serviced by a licensed contractor quarterly.Council is investigating the current condition of Eastside wastewater systems to manage the possible environmental and public health risks. This will involve the individual inspection of hundreds of systems over the next two years.All options for the long term future planning of wastewater on Eastside will be considered at the end of the project – and any findings or recommendations will be communicated with affected residents.
EXPLORE our majestic river from the vantage point of a canoe with the local Water Discovery Trail.
Before you embark on your expedition, be sure to visit Council’s website to learn about the history of the First People to paddle the river, points of interest and local wildlife to inform and enrich your experience.
There are many places to launch a canoe, but let’s begin by slipping into the cool and ancient river at Swanport Wetlands.
Explore the downstream wetlands lagoon before journeying further upstream past the long thin island known as Lentelin by the Ngarrindjeri people, and on to Long Island Reserve.
There are many places to stop and explore along the way as you paddle past Sturt Reserve, the wharf precinct and pass under the iconic twin bridges.
Take in a waterfront view of the historic Round House or stop in for a tour and learn about local history relevant to the building of the township we have become today.
Board your water chariot once again, continue on past Hume Reserve, also known as Pomberuk (meaning crossing place – highly significant culturally and spiritually for the Ngarrindjeri people) and follow the bend in the river.
On the right, pull in for a stretch or a picnic on the grassy and picturesque banks of Thiele Reserve – popular with houseboat holiday makers for the tranquil surrounds, barbecue facilities and playground.
Once back on the water, pass the Mobilong Pump Station to the left and the Riverglades wetlands to the right (nesting ground for a host of birds, frogs and other local wildlife).
Next stop is the ever popular summer playground of Avoca Dell where you can pull in to a manicured reserve lawn with sheltered picnic areas, barbecues playground and toilets.
WATER DISCOVERY TRAIL
CONNECTED COMMUNITIES AUTUMN 2021 PAGE 7
Rest your weary arms before heading back the way you came, perhaps on the opposite side of the river for a different view of the majestic waterway and local wildlife as you go.
For more information about the many land based trails waiting to be discovered on weekend adventures visit www.murraybridge.sa.gov.au/trails
Domestic Arts: Sera Watersuntil 2 MayMurray Bridge Regional Gallerymurraybridgegallery.com.au
That Old Stuffuntil 2 MayMurray Bridge Regional Gallerymurraybridgegallery.com.au
Memorial Raceday 21 AprilMurray Bridge Racing Clubracingmurraybridge.com
Sweet As Swing22 AprilMurray Bridge Town Hallmurraybridge.sa.gov.au/townhall
Juggling vs Magic23 AprilMurray Bridge Town Hallmurraybridge.sa.gov.au/townhall
Darts Australia Grand Prix23 - 25 April Murray Bridge Darts Clubmurraybridge.sa.gov.au/eventscalendar
The Botanic Designer Indoor Plant Workshop29 AprilMurray Bridge Librarymurraybridge.sa.gov.au/eventscalendar
Aboriginal Health Fair2 MaySturt Reservemurraybridge.sa.gov.au/eventscalendar
Hotelier’s Day 5 MayMurray Bridge Racing Clubracingmurraybridge.com
Murray Bridge Player’s & Singers presents Mamma Mia7, 8, 9, 14, 15, 16, 21 & 22 MayMurray Bridge Town Hallmbplayersandsingers.com.au
OTR Supersprint7-9 MayThe Bend Motorsport parkthebend.com.au
U3A Strummers9 MayMurray Bridge Librarymurraybridge.sa.gov.au/eventscalendar
2021 Murray Bridge Rotary Art Show15 May - 13 JuneMurray Bridge Regional Gallerymurraybridgegallery.com.au
You’ve Got A Friend - Carole King’s Tapestry20 MayMurray Bridge Town Hallmurraybridge.sa.gov.au/townhall
Trade’s Day22 MayMurray Bridge Racing Clubracingmurraybridge.com
Walk/Run For Reconciliation30 MaySturt Reserve murraybridge.sa.gov.au/eventscalendar
Tailem Bend Cup13 JuneMurray Bridge Racing Clubracingmurraybridge.com
Winter Raceday 19 JuneMurray Bridge Racing Clubracingmurraybridge.com
Winter Raceday 23 JuneMurray Bridge Racing Clubracingmurraybridge.com
Greg Hart in Concert24 JuneMurray Bridge Town Hallmurraybridge.sa.gov.au/townhall
All Culture Fest27 JuneMurray Bridge Town Hallmurraybridge.sa.gov.au/events
Winter Raceday3 JulyMurray Bridge Racing Clubracingmurraybridge.com
Weekday Races14 JulyMurray Bridge Racing Club racingmurraybridge.com
ANZAC DAWN SERVICE5.30am Sunday 25 April at the Murray Bridge War Memorial, Sturt Reserve, Murray Bridge.A Pre-ANZAC Day Service will be held 3pm Sunday 18 April at Murray Bridge Cemetery and a Commemorative Service at 11am Sunday 18 April at Mypolonga RSL clubrooms.For more information visit murraybridge.sa.gov.au/eventscalendar
ANZAC DAY GUNFIRE BREAKFASTFrom 7.15am Sunday 25 April at the Murray Bridge RSL, Lot 2 Ross Road, Murray BridgeFollow the Murray Bridge ANZAC Day Dawn Service with a $5 Gunfire Breakfast, including a bacon and egg sandwich provided by local service clubs.
Calendar of Events
Event PROMOTIONPROMOTE your community event for free at www.murraybridge.sa.gov.au/promoteyourevent
FOLLOW Council events at facebook.com/ruralcitymurraybridge/
COVID-19 CAVEATAll Rural City of Murray Bridge events are subject to COVID-19 related requirements and advice.
